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CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION

February 17, 2012

A Statement From Police Chief Noble Wray

All of us in the greater Madison community are learning of horrific allegations stemming from a child abuse case that the men and women of the MPD continue to investigate, with assistance from other agencies. The accused are presumed innocent in the eyes of our legal system, yet accusations leveled against them have created great anguish, particularly in the neighborhood where the victim lived.

This is a time where many, including officers of this department, are going to need support, and it will take time for our community to heal. One of those directly impacted by this case is Mike Vega. His life became intertwined with that of the victim by happenstance. I would like to offer a public thank you to Mr. Vega. He was the passerby who found the 15-year old outside in her pajamas looking for someone to help her. Mr. Vega was in the right place, at the right time, and did the right things.

I want to assure everyone that the victim is being well cared for, and is getting the medical help she needs. As details of her life have been revealed, many of you have asked what you can do to help. Efforts are underway to establish a fund for the victim. There are some legal hurdles that need to be jumped for this to happen, and more information will be forthcoming as a fund is solidified.

This might also be an appropriate time for more of us to reconnect with other young people, those who- because of their own life situations - may be more vulnerable than others and in need of support.

Detectives and officers are far from finished with the investigation into this case, and additional reports will be turned over to the Dane County District Attorney's office for review as they are completed.